Early presented a paper, “Birthed in Controversy: The Withdrawal of the Baptist Missionary Association (BMA) from the Baptist General Convention of Texas (BGCT),” at the Baptist History and Heritage annual society meeting in Sioux Falls, S.D.

The paper highlighted the ecclesiological reasons that the BMA left the BGCT and formed one of the nation’s largest landmark denominations.

He presented a paper at the National Association of Baptist Professors of Religion (NABPR) in Atlanta, Ga. recently as well.

Titled “Theological Differences Between John Smith and Thomas Helwys,” the paper compared and contrasted the soteriological and ecclesiological variances of the first two Baptists.

The papers are scheduled to be published in the late fall.

Early’s latest book, “An Introduction to Christianity,” is scheduled for release by Broadman & Holman publishers in March 2015.

Early holds professional memberships in Baptist History and Heritage, American Academy of Religions, East Texas Historical Association, West Texas Historical Association, Texas Historical Association and Tennessee Baptist Historical Association.

He has written several books on Baptist history including: “The Building of a Church: The Centennial History of South Main Baptist Church, Houston, Texas,” “A Texas Baptist History Sourcebook,” “A Handbook of Texas Baptist Biography,” “A Texas Baptist Power Struggle: The Hayden Controversy” and “Readings in Baptist History.” Also “The Life and Writings of Thomas Helwys: The First English Baptist” was published in 2009 by Mercer University Press.

In 1993, Early received his bachelor degree in political science from Cumberland College. Continuing his education at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in 1997, he earned his master of divinity. Then in 2002 he finished his Ph.D. from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.

To expand his educational accomplishments, Early is trilingual speaking in English, German and French. He is married to Tiffany Early and is the son of Dr. Joseph Early Sr. and his wife, Phyllis. Dr. Joe Early Sr. is part-time assistant to the president and the senior vice president for academic affairs.

Campbellsville University is a widely acclaimed Kentucky-based Christian university with more than 3,600 students offering 63 undergraduate options, 17 master’s degrees, five postgraduate areas and eight pre-professional programs. The website for complete information is campbellsville.edu.